The old adage ‘you can take a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink’ is a very true saying.  To maintain your horse in good health you must make sure that he drinks enough and this can be an issue in the warm summer months.

If your horse is out at pasture you must check daily that there is an adequate supply of water.  Most animal rescue calls to organisations such as the ASPCA and the RSPCA regarding horses during the summer months are because they don’t have sufficient water.  A horse is a large animal, they sweat freely when it is warm and need to replace the lost fluid, it is even more important if they have been working hard.

If the weather is particularly warm then you may need to add some electrolytes to the water to help replace lost salts and minerals to ensure good horse health.  This can also be useful when traveling.  Some horses are notoriously fussy about the water they drink, and when away from home they will refuse water if it doesn’t taste right.  If they are used to having electrolytes in their water, the taste will mask the difference in the water and they will be much more likely to take on sufficient fluid.  It is a useful trick to have up your sleeve!

Post from: Horse Facts and Equestrian Sports

Horse Health – Taking A Horse To Water

Post from: Horse Facts and Equestrian Sports

Horse Health – Taking A Horse To Water

Most professional trainers and riders will agree that without buying a custom made saddle for every horse you ride, the correct pad is your only salvation. Knowing that saddles are made for the average back we are faced with the frustrating task of accommodating it to the horse. The perfect saddle fit will reduce stress by putting uniform pressure on the horse’s back. The spine and withers, of course, should bear no weight at all. As simple as it may sound, it’s not. Horses come in different shapes and sizes just as people. The Pro-Tech closed cell perforated inserts in the Cush-N-Air pad act as shims, redistributing the weight over a large area, thereby reducing the pressure per square inch.

• Cush-N-Air: The greatest possible PROTECTION from soring & abrasion.
• Completely WASHABLE – Rinse off with hose.
• LIGHTWEIGHT
• Firm cushion SHAPES NATURALLY.
• This pad keeps a COOLER BACK using less energy in perspiration – will increase endurance.
• Contoured to fit the horse’s back for a more comfortable fit, keeping a CLOSE CONTACT.
• The Cush-N-Air Pad is a TOTAL PADDING SYSTEM, designed to be used without an over or under pad.

Find out more about the Cush-N-Air Pad

Post from: Horse Facts and Equestrian Sports

Does Your Saddle Really Fit You And Your Horse?

Post from: Horse Facts and Equestrian Sports

Does Your Saddle Really Fit You And Your Horse?

Horse and Man have co-existed since time immemorial. Without the relationship between horse and man our world would have a very different shape. We are no longer as dependent upon horses as we once were, they still play an important part in our lives – who among us has not played games based round riding a horse and racing like the wind towards the horizon. Horses are far more used for relaxation and sport, and the pleasure of their company though there are many still working in farms, ranches and there is still a military use, albeit mainly ceremonial.

The term ‘Equestrian’ has it’s roots in Roman times and comes from the world ‘Equus’ – Horse. The nobility of Rome provided the Cavalry and it is from there the term developed. The Equestrians of Rome were regarded as an elite class as horses were expensive and considerable wealth was required to maintain them.. The Knights were both a political and military force because of the influence their money and skills gave them. They were well compensated for their efforts by the government who needed to keep on good terms with a volatile group.

Horses were also used in more peaceful pursuits and as Rome expanded and drew in Cavalry from it’s allies the Knights lost their influence in politics but became more powerful in the financial world as they were allowed to engage in business unlike the Senators whose role was purely political.

The importance of the horse continued throughout history until relatively recent times. They have always been a valuable asset and as such were prized and well cared for. The ability to ride well and care for horses has always been the mark ofa social elite though that is changing today as Equestrian Sports are within the reach of many more people.

So what is the difference between and Equestrian and a Rider? Equestrianism is much more than just riding – it is a harmony between Horse and Rider where they work together as a team. Whilst we mainly think of Equestrian Sport as those things we see in the Olympics – Dressage, Show jumping and Cross Country Riding, it also covers Driving and other sports such as Polo.

Post from: Horse Facts and Equestrian Sports

Equestrian or Rider?

Post from: Horse Facts and Equestrian Sports

Equestrian or Rider?